24 best sustainable Christmas gifts 2021: Eco-friendly gift ideas

These sustainable Christmas gifts aim to make the world a greener place, meaning that you can give presents with peace of mind this year too. 

With new technology and more zero-waste brands than ever before, it’s never been easier to go green. But alas, most shoppers view planet-friendly products as too expensive, a universal belief that's far from reality. 

Case in point: there are plenty of cheap Christmas gifts that won't cost the earth, be it a utensil set or sleek wallet. These eco-conscious presents suit all interests, making them the perfect Christmas gifts for friends who fight for a greener planet or eco-friendly Christmas gifts for parents who need a nudge in a more sustainable direction.

The best sustainable Christmas gifts for 2021

To help you shop, we've compiled a curated listed of the best sustainable Christmas gifts this year. Our list covers brands with transparent ingredients and processes, ethical supply chains and credible certifications.

The Kintsugi Pro Studio Mat boasts a negative carbon footprint, made from recycled natural rubber and recycled plastic bottles. To offset carbon emissions, the eco-centric brand works to restore degraded rainforests and capture biogas from livestock and methane from landfill sites. Unsurprisingly, the brand is certified by Climate Neutral, a nonprofit organization working to decrease global carbon waste.

In particular, the packaging and rubber are entirely biodegradable, meaning they can degrade naturally into the environment without releasing toxins. One of the best Christmas gifts for her, especially if she's a self-proclaimed yogi. 

This starter set spotlights botanical-rich soaps encased in refillable aluminum cans. Simply put, they're infinitely recyclable and won't end up in a landfill like plastic bottles. Additionally, they're free of gnarly parabens, sulfates, silicones, and artificial colors and fragrances. (Because luxury doesn't have to compromise sustainability.)

KanKan carefully sources ingredients that meet the Soil Association organic standards. Once a pioneer in the 1960s, The Soil Association now spearheads organic farming and growing guidelines for brands to follow. 

Crafted from organic cotton and a linen blend, the cult-classic S.E.A. suit is a versatile staple. This ensemble features an easy-to-use button entry, along with ample pocket space, an adjustable waistline, and a tapered leg to be rolled up or kept down. 

One of the best sustainable clothing brands, Outerknown prioritizes environmental integrity above all. The trend-led authority invests in employees through Fair Trade USA and standards established by The Fair Labor Association (FLA), an entity that holds brands to equitable international labor standards. 

Outerknown also sources organic, recycled, and regenerated materials. And when it comes to denim, shoppers can repair, replace, and recycle their jeans to keep them out of landfills. Historically, the brand has furthered its ethos with cause-driven campaigns, like its debut of ECONYL® clothing, a process of turning fishing nets into endlessly regenerative fibers. 

Inspired by Senegalese craftsmanship, the Matty Storage Bowl is decorated with an ornate combination of blues and whites, making it a stunning addition to any space. Aesthetics aside, it's undeniably practical, holding small items like sunglasses and makeup.

From DIY projects to unique baskets and homeware, La Basketry offers a collection of woven creations from skilled artisans in Senegal. Beautiful, unique Christmas gifts, they're reusable and built to last.

The Everlane Tread Runners are perennially cool, retro, and, more importantly, proudly carbon neutral. Made of sustainably sourced materials, these sneakers integrate comfortable and practical features. (Think leather paneling, a cushioned insole, a low-plastic sole, and recycled polyester lining.) Plus, the pair's laces and linings come from recycled plastic bottles. They're available in U.S. sizes 5-11.

Everlane partners with ethical factories and manufacturers to uphold an entirely transparent supply chain. With every product, the eco-chic leader minimizes water waste, chemical inputs, and carbon emissions. Talk about brilliant Christmas gifts for teenagers with an eco-conscience. 

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat can decrease your monthly electricity bill and, ultimately, minimize your environmental impact. As one of the best Christmas gifts for mom on a budget, this intuitive gadget memorizes your favorite temperature settings and self-adjusts throughout the day. When you're not in the room, it turns off your heating and air conditioning—an efficient solution that conserves electricity and fuel.

Google claims the Nest Learning Thermostat has saved people on average of 10% to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills since its inception.

Crafted from sustainably farmed organic bamboo, the WAKEcup mug doesn't compromise ecological integrity. This handy cup features double-lined stainless steel that keeps drinks hot (or cold) throughout the day. Not to mention, its lid can be laser engraved with a message of your choice. The lid itself is made of BPA-free recyclable polypropylene.

WAKEcup donates 10% of profits to its partners, The Marine Conservation Society and Plastic Oceans. As advocates of marine sustainability, these charities educate and minimize the effects of single-use plastic pollution.

As we bid adieu to plastic shopping bags, it's time to invest in the Earthwise Reusable Tote, crafted from durable cotton Jute fabric with reinforced lining. It's easy to store and even easier to carry, thanks to heavy-duty leather handles that offer a secure grip. It also features a laminated interior that's coated in water-resistant latex, making it a breeze to clean and maintain. Groceries aside, the bag doubles as a trendy accessory for work and fun. 

It's challenging to find the best Christmas gifts for dads—let alone the best Christmas gifts for men in general. Enter: the Boshiho Blocking Cork Wallet, a lightweight accessory with plenty of compartments and folders. Each Boshiho wallet is crafted from wood shavings, also known as cork. 

Compared to leather, cork material is velvety and flexible to use; however, it's still undeniably hardwearing and resistant against abuse. Additionally, cork is a great renewable material and vegan alternative. As cork oak trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide and thereby help reduce the environmental impact of emissions.

From the wizards behind the best makeup brushes, the BioBlender is dubbed as the first of its kind to naturally break down and decompose. Made of sustainable foam, each Bioblender is vegan, cruelty-free, and accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Editor's note: The USDA is the federal department that develops and implements laws relating to farming, forestry, etc.) Bioblender also has a patented shape, featuring three edges that fit the contours of your face. 

If you're looking for the best Christmas gifts for husbands (or for anyone on your list), look no further. Launched by House of Marley, the Rebel True headphones deliver exceptional acoustics and noise cancellation. This gadget offers eight hours of playtime from a single charge, so they can jam out whenever. 

House of Marley prioritizes craftsmanship and sustainability with every product. Specifically, Rebel is made with solid bamboo, natural wood fiber composite, and recycled plastic—always delivered in recyclable packaging. The company also plants a tree for each product purchased.

Powered by patented UV-C LED technology, the LARQ kills up to 99 percent of bacteria, odors, and viruses lingering in your water bottle, sans filter. This reusable water bottle has a double-walled interior, which keeps drinks cool for nearly 24 hours. And for quality assurance, it's made of non-toxic materials. 

Water waste consumes significant energy and adversely affects our carbon footprint and overall air quality. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family can waste 180 gallons per week, totaling 9,400 gallons of water per year. Annually, household leaks can waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water nationwide. 

Cue: the Grohe Sense Smart Water Sensor, a smart and simple solution. The gadget sense when there's a leak and sends alerts to your device accordingly. Best of all, it conserves energy and fuel, running on just three AAA batteries and a stable WiFi connection.

As a fair trade certified favorite, this sweater is crafted from 100% recycled polyester and dyed with an energy-reducing process that sharply contrasts conventional methods. If your giftee values variety, this number comes in 10 colors and sizes XXS-XXL.

The crux of Patagonia's mission stems from the ever-growing climate crisis. Consequently, the contemporary fashion leader abides by sustainable manufacturing practices and campaigns. To reduce carbon emissions, the brand upcycles waste fabrics and old garments into new products. Patagonia also implemented the Worn Wear initiative, allowing shoppers to explore used items in select stores.

The Mamuye Classic Tote boasts real leather, durable straps, and ample space for valuables. Each tote is thoughtfully hand-crafted, rather than cheaply mass-produced. So, it's safe to say this bag is a crowd-pleaser, whether you're shopping for yourself or exploring the best Christmas gifts for your wife.

ABLE is driven by corporate social responsibility. Since its genesis, the Nashville-based brand has employed and trained women in vulnerable populations, providing a ticket out of generational poverty. Today, the company partners with communities in Mexico, Brazil, India, and Ethiopia.

Why not fill this tote with locally-sourced ingredients and artisan treats to turn your gift into a bountiful Christmas hamper full of goodies? 

Meet the best leggings everyone wants to live in, be it for exercising or lounging in front of the TV watching the best Christmas movies on Netflix. These high-waist pants feature a buttery-soft and stretchy fabric—made from recycled water bottles. Girlfriend Collective says that each pair diverts 25 bottles from landfills, a dedicated effort against plastic waste.

Hailed as an authority in athleisure, Girlfriend Collective curates comfortable and supportive collections from sustainable fabrics. (Examples include recycled polyester and nylon, and cupro—a fiber made from excess cotton.) 

The brand also offers sustainable swimwear and a washing bag. When attached to a washing machine, the bag captures tiny microfiber plastics before they enter water streams and potentially cause harm to marine life. 

4ocean claims that this utensil set replaces "an average of 1,300 single-use plastic utensils over its lifecycle." Made of bamboo and post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, it's free of phthalates and the industrial chemical Bisphenol A, also known as BPA. Its case offers a secure velcro closure, with a clip-on carabiner on the back. 

In line with the brand's One Pound Promise, every set purchased funds the removal of trash from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines (one pound in total). 

These beeswax-infused food savers are a simple solution to colossal plastic waste—and its ramifications at large. Crafted from cotton infused with organic beeswax and jojoba oil, these wraps draw away moisture to preserve the flavor and quality of your meals. Once they've been used, simply wash with soap and water. The whimsical design is a great creative touch and makes these some of the best Christmas food gifts to use as stocking stuffers this year. 

This fast-charging power bank is fueled by direct sunlight, which penetrates through its built-in solar panels. Unlike conventional sources of fuel, solar power provides clean, renewable energy. And naturally, it's the most abundant renewable energy source available.

Sustainability aside, its rugged construction can easily withstand harsh weather, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who regularly go camping and hiking.

Backed by two million members and growing, Grove delivers sustainable cleaning products every month. With this subscription service, members can choose from over 2,000 products, spotlighting the likes of Method Home and Mrs. Meyer's. The company only partners with brands that uphold ingredient transparency, ethical supply chains, and cruelty-free and plant-based formulas. Plus, it vows to become 100% plastic-free by 2025.

A great present for anyone, whether you need practical Christmas gifts for grandparents or monthly delights for yourself.

Along with matching Christmas jumpers, cozy blankets complete the holiday season. So, present them with the top-rated Recycled Wool Knee Blanket by Tartan Blanket Company, woven from recycled wool and mixed recycled fibers. Generally speaking, wool is an ideal sustainable material as it's naturally hypoallergenic, sweat-wicking, and biodegradable. And obviously, wool gives it a plush, velvety feel that'll help you count sheep in peace.

by Humankind offers ultra-luxe bath, eco-friendly beauty, and grooming products in sustainable packaging—think shampoo and conditioner bars, mouthwash tabs, deodorant in a refillable bottle, and chewable toothpaste. The daily set bundles the brand's bestsellers, including mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, and floss. These inclusions help ease shoppers into eco-friendly living, starting with their morning routine. For that reason, we'd argue it's one of the best Christmas gifts for couples as they develop daily habits together.

Allow these coverings to decorate your kitchen with eco-chic flair. Made of recycled vinyl, these mats won't slip or bunch up under doors and drawers. What's more, it's seamless to wipe away spills, splatters, and other stains. Shoppers can choose from three prints, each inspired by vintage tilework and traditional textile art. 

If they want to establish simple, sustainable habits, consider gifting them a compost bin. Composting benefits the environment by recycling organic resources and conserving landfill space. The OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin is a top-rated favorite, featuring practical functions for everyday countertop use. By design, this bin keeps bags and waste tucked in, plus locks in odors through a soft-close lid. Its smooth interior walls prevent buildup, while its removable lid lends for easy emptying.

How can Christmas gifts be sustainable?

Fortunately, sustainable products are widely accessible. Today, many brands aim to minimize their environmental footprint, with a greater focus on conscious consumerism. 

Still, the eco-friendly space is tricky to navigate amid greenwashing, hollow campaigns, and unsubstantiated claims. Therefore, if you're aiming to shop green, it's crucial to consider the following:

• Ingredients and materials: With ever-evolving definitions on sustainability, focus on vegan, cruelty-free, organic, and non-toxic labels. Vegan items do not have any animal-derived and animal ingredients. Similarly, cruelty-free products have not been tested on animals at any stage of development. Organic and non-toxic products do not include toxic components, like parabens, manufactured herbicides, and artificial fertilizers. 
• Ingredient and material sourcing: Sustainable brands oversee their supply chain processes and, for their employees, ensure safe working conditions and livable salaries.
• Ethical business practices: Think recyclable and/or reusable packaging and materials, designed to reduce waste. Brands with sustainable practices are dedicated to water and energy management, renewable energy sources, efficient programs, and minimizing carbon offsets and manufacturing waste. Many companies even partner with organizations to influence policy and legislation. 
• Certifications: Look out for credible certifications with rigorous guidelines. Top authorities include Fair Trade, Green Business Bureau, and Safer Choice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Harvey Broadbent, founder of sustainable brand Positive Outlook Clothing, explains that Christmas gifts can be sustainable—but it all has to start with our mindset while shopping: 

"If we as shoppers can shift our mindsets to buying long-lasting and ethically sourced items, from companies that are transparent about their practices, then positive steps towards a more sustainable Christmas can be made," he says. 

"When contemplating buying a sustainable Christmas gift, the three main priorities to consider should be waste (packaging), longevity (product), and need (purpose). You should take time in your gifting decisions to think about what the individual truly wants or would need, as in the long run, this will bring them the most amount of joy and benefit, with the least amount of impact on our planet," Broadbent advises.

Eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas for your sustainable presents

When it comes to sustainable Christmas wrapping, it's important to think creatively; and as shopping experts, we've got you covered. 

Here are five practical tips for wrapping your presents in an eco-friendly way:

• Recyclable paper: We bet your drawers are chock-full of unique maps, glossy magazine ads, and newspaper covers, all of which can be used to bundle your precious gift.
• Brown paper: More specifically, supermarket and paper lunch bags can be modified to protect your present. Plus, you can add decorative stickers, ribbons, and more.
• Buckets: Now's the time to purpose any forgotten bucket or basket. Depending on the size, they can hold small and big presents with ease.
• Containers: Albeit more suitable for smaller trinkets, clean containers can be used for everyday chores—in addition to your special gift.
• Reusable tote bags: Simply put, two gifts in one—they'll enjoy your present and a bag for their everyday essentials.